Two Generations, One RNLI Lifeboat: Father and Son begin their training together

Harry has been visiting the lifeboat station with his family since he was five. His father, Mike, has served as a volunteer for 17 years, and the lifeboat has always been a familiar part of Harry’s life. Now, after completing his first training trip with the RNLI, Harry has begun the journey he has been waiting for since childhood, this time with his father by his side. Mike, a helm at Portishead, proudly joined him on the water.

For Harry, stepping aboard the lifeboat wasn’t just the start of his volunteer journey, it was the culmination of a lifelong connection to the lifeboat station. As soon as he turned 18, he joined the waiting list and, after two years, was welcomed as shore crew where he started supporting launches and preparing the lifeboat for service whenever needed.

Earlier this month, Mike and Harry launched along with crew mates Ian and Jake for Harry’s first official training exercise. It was an emotional and memorable moment for both father and son as they prepared to serve their community together.

‘Having Harry step into the trainee lifeboat crew role after his two years volunteering as shore crew is incredibly special,’ said Mike. ‘Being able to train with him on the water and pass on what I’ve learned is something I’ve looked forward to for so long.’

Harry added, ‘Finally getting to go to sea with my Dad and crew mates was a moment I won’t forget. It felt surreal to go afloat as crew after spending so many years watching the lifeboat launch and seeing my Dad head out on shouts. I’m really looking forward to learning more and completing the competencies so I can go out on shouts myself. The training here in Portishead, as well as at the RNLI College in Poole, is incredibly thorough. The opportunities to learn essential skills and put them into practice are excellent.

‘I’ll also continue helping launch the lifeboat with the rest of the volunteers when the pager goes. And a special mention has to go to my Mum, who now has to watch both Dad and I run out the door at a moment’s notice!’

Harry’s training will continue over the coming months as he works toward full crew status, learning the skills and techniques required to save lives at sea.

Lifeboat Operations Manager Neil Sutor said, ‘Harry has grown up with the lifeboat family and brings real passion and commitment. It’s wonderful to see the next generation coming forward, especially in a story as meaningful as this one.’

Notes to editors

· Harry (left) with is father Mike on the launch ramp at the Portishead Lifeboat Station

· Mike (right) showing Harry (on the Helm seat) the controls of the Atlantic 85 lifeboat, My Lady Anne.

· Mike with his sons (Harry left and Charlie right) on the slipway at the old lifeboat station during the Portishead Lifeboat independent days at Sugar Loaf beach.

· Harry with crew mate Emma at the RNLI training College in Poole, on their Crew Emergency Procedures Course. This image is in the training pool where they capsize a lifeboat, the crew need to learn how to right the lifeboat and get back in.

· Harry and Emma firing flares at Poole.

· Harry and Emma completing their lifesaving course.

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Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 143,080 lives.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.